power steering/ voltage problem

[jmartinez1228]

The other day I noticed that one of my lines for the power steering that goes into the bottle were rotted and leaking fluid all over. I went and replaced the lines the other day and noticed the belt for the alternator was a little loose so I tightened it. Today as I was driving home I noticed my volt meter reading 11 volts and my battery light came on. I went to
take a turn and had no power steering as well
As I came to the house I popped the hood and saw both belts connected and turning. I went to turn the steering wheel and the pulley literally stopped turning. Could this be that the belt is worn out and causing it to slip? could this be the same problem with the alternator? I was getting 13volts before I noticed it was loose and squeaking. Could I have made a booboo?

 

[TUI2I30]

you could have a bad belt tensioner for one. you could have also made that belt too tight. When your belts are properly tightened you should be able flex the belt a little. Another potential issue is that your power steering pump is bad and locking up when you turn the wheel.

 

[jmartinez1228]

could getting power steering fluid on the pulleys have any effect on them?

 

[TUI2I30]

Yes, it could. Also, I edited my previous post as well with additional information.

 

[jmartinez1228]

hmmmmm i hope its not the pump, ill try getting the belts replaced and see what happens.

 

[TUI2I30]

cool! Good Luck!

 

[heppm01]

If you spilled steering fluid on/into your alternator, it may be taking its last breaths. First check for slipping belts, but if that looks good then I would steel myself for an alternator replacement in the very near future.

M

 

[jmartinez1228]

I did notice some fluid on the alternator, plus my uncle took some engine degreaser and sprayed it around the frame to get off the grease and hoosed it down with the car off.